Cutting-edge facilities for cutting-edge science

As one of the largest marine-science centers in the U.S., the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) maintains a comprehensive suite of research and educational facilities, state-of-the-art analytical instruments and field equipment; and a fleet of both large and small research vessels. An institute-wide fiber-optic network connects to the National Lambda Rail via a Gigabit Ethernet link to William & Mary.

Chesapeake Bay Hall

Completed in 1997, this 64,000-square-foot, 4-story facility houses programs in ecology, ecotoxicology, fishery genetics, immunology, and shellfish pathology. It is a modular structure, with movable walls to provide the flexibility needed to accommodate changing research needs. The atrium holds a collection of historic maps of the Chesapeake Bay, many donated by longtime friend and supporter Alan Voorhees.

Field Support Center

Completed in 2010, this 10,000-square-foot, 3-story facility provides space for a broad range of technical services and vessel maintenance. The technicians, machinists, welders, fabricators, and mechanics on staff can design, fabricate, and repair complex electronic and mechanical instruments and tools.

Maury Hall

Opened in 1950 to house VIMS’ precursor—the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory—this 2-story, 6,400-square-foot facility now houses our Advancement — Outreach team and several faculty offices. The building is named after Virginian Matthew Fontaine Maury, the “Father of Modern Oceanography.” It is the oldest purpose-built facility on the VIMS campus.

Seawater Research Lab

Our 43,000 square foot Seawater Research Laboratory (SRL), the largest in the nation, provides 800 gallons per minute of treated seawater to support state-mandated research on fish and shellfish. It includes a multi-purpose space with numerous holding tanks and a high bay with a ceiling-mounted crane for handling large oceanographic instruments. A disease-challenge facility, toxics room, and Biological Safety laboratories allow the study of aquatic pathogens and waterborne pollutants, including their effects on animal and human health. Water is supplied from a storm-resistant concrete pier that stretches 300 feet into the York River.

External parties interested in using the facility should contact [[v|jebrister,SRL Director Jim Brister.]]

Watermen’s Hall

Opened in 1984, this 40,000 square-foot building houses our Visitors Center, Reception Desk, McHugh Auditorium, and many of our administrative offices. It also houses the William J. Hargis Jr. Library, with more than 80,000 volumes, 70,000 pages of scientific reports, and electronic access to marine literature worldwide. The administrative offices headquartered in Watermen’s Hall are

Use by External Parties

We offer select facilities, services, and vessels at cost for use by external parties.

Analytical Services Lab

The Analytical Service Center researches, develops, and refines methodologies for analyses in a wide spectrum of environmental matrices. ASC instrumentation is of the current generation: computer control/acquisition, background correction, and all optimized for saline matrix. Extensive field experience has created a suite of well-honed sampling and processing procedures and specialized equipment. For more information, [[v|pollard,contact Lab Director Carol Pollard]].

Facility Rentals

VIMS rents conference rooms, a 275-person auditorium, and classrooms to groups outside the VIMS community. These spaces may be rented for meetings, lectures, and other not-for-profit functions. Furniture, linens, coffee/tea, and other set-ups can also be arranged for on-site events. All uses must be approved by VIMS’ Special Events Coordinator or the Dean and Director. To inquire about having an event at VIMS, please contact our Advancement office at 804-684-7061 or [[v|programs]].

Flow Cytometry Facility

Our Flow Cytometry Facility features a BD Influx flow cytometer to meet all of your sorting needs. This cell sorter is incredibly fast, boasting a practical throughput of 20,000 events/second, and is able to maintain high purity of sorted particles. For more information, contact Technical Director [v|qroberts,Quinn Roberts]]. You can also fill out the usage request form.

Seawater Research Lab

Vessel Chartering

We offer several vessels for charter when they are not already scheduled for use by our faculty, staff, and students. These include the 36' passenger-for-hire M/V Tyndall Pointe; and the 93' research vessel R/V Virginia, both expected to be officially added to the fleet July 2018.

Other Notable Facilities & Services

Oyster Hatchery

Provides space and equipment for the breeding of disease-resistant native oysters and for genetic studies of non-native oysters. Learn more.

Boat Basin

Provides a safe harbor for VIMS fleet of research vessels.

Diving Facility

Includes a diver-training room and classrooms to support our 20-member AAUS-certified dive team. Learn more.

Seabed Hydraulic Flume

Allows researchers to carry out in-situ experiments on sediment erosion.